3, 17-diamino androstane and androstene derivatives



22 Claims. (Cl. 167-65) This invention relates to steroid derivatives of pharmacological value, to a process for their preparation, and to pharmaceutic compositions containing them.

According to the present invention, there are provided the new androstane and androstene derivatives of the general formula:

Tl a

wherein R represents an alkyl, alkenyl or aralkyl group, R R R and R are the same or different and each represents an alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl, aralkyl or cycloalkyl group, or each of the pairs R and R and R and R together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached collectively represent the residue of a saturated mononuclear 5-, 6- or 7-membered heterocyclic ring which may include a second hetero atom, e.g. oxygen or nitrogen, T T and T represent hydrogen atoms, or T and T together or T and T together represent a single bond and the remaining T symbol represents a hydrogen atom, and X represents a pharmaceutically acceptable anion, such as a chloride, bromide, tartrate, citrate, phosphate or sulphate ion or an organic sulphonate ion, for example, a methanesulphonate or toluene-p-sulphonate ion. It is to be understood that when T is a hydrogen atom it can be either on or B in configuration. Similarly the groups attached in the 3- and ll-positions of the steroid ring may be either a or ,8 in configuration.

By the terms alkyl and alkeny as used throughout this specification and accompanying claims is meant alkyl andalkenyl groups containing up to six carbons atoms. Examples of the types of groups which may be represented by the symbols R -R are methyl, ethyl, allyl, hydroxyethyl, benzyl and cyclohexyl groups, and examples of the types of heterocyclic groups included within the definition of the groupings R R N- and R R N-- are pyrrolidino, piperidino, piperazino, 4-acylpiperazino, morpholino and hexamethyleneimino groups.

The compounds of Formula I possess pharmacological properties which render them useful as neuromuscular blocking agents. For example, the compounds of general Formula I wherein the groups R, are. methyl or ethyl groups both R and R and R and R form part of a pyrrolidine or piperidine ring, T T and T are hydrogen atoms (T being of the tat-configuration) and X is a chloride or an iodine ion, such as 3B,17;8-dipyrrolidino-5otandrostane dimethochloride, and dimethiodide and diethiodide, and 3d,l7,8-dipiperidino-5tat-androstane dimethiodide are short-acting neuromuscular blocking agents, which have a competitive type of action like tubocurarine, and are devoid of the depolarising action seen in suxaed States Paten :1.

methonium salts. From results of experiments in cats with 3p,17p-dipyrrolidino-5u-androstane dimethiodide (referred to hereafter as Compound A) or the corresponding dimethochloride, and suxamethonium, while it was not possible to obtain an accurate estimate of the relative potencies of the two compounds because their effects were mutually antagonistic (this would be expected from the actions of a competitive blocker and a depolarizing agent), in thirty five experiments the two compounds were roughly equipotent usually requiring about 0.1 to 0.2 mg./kg. to produce a transient block. They were equipotent not only in the extent but also in the duration of the block, which lasted about 3 minutes. In fifteen experiments with Compound A and known drugs the comparative figures for the effective dose (E Were as follows.

Compound: EDgs, rag/kg. Compound A 0.14:0.06 Gallamine 0.86+0.16 Tubocurarine 01:0.01 Suxamethonium 0.18:0.03

Hence, 35,1719-dipyrrolidino-Sa-androstane dimethiodide and dimethochloride are more active than gallamine and approximately equipotent with tubocurarine. They have a similar type of action to those of the aforesaid drugs and possess the advantage over them in that they have a shorter duration of action. They are equipotent with suxamethonium salts, but unlike such salts they have no depolarising etfect (which effect causes initial contraction of the muscle or fasciculations followed by relaxation and hence produces post-operative pain) and their effect can be reversed by anticholinesterases such as neostigmine.

Preferred compounds of the present invention are those of Formula I in which R represents a methyl or ethyl group, and the groupings R R N- and NR R each represent a pyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino, hexamethyleneimino, dimethylamino or diethylamino group; in particular, the dimethoand diethosalts (preferably the chlorides, bromides or iodides) of 3;8,l7B-dipyrrolidino-5otandrostane, 3 3,17fl-dipiperidino-Sat-androstane, 3,8,17B-dimorpholino-Set-androstane, 3 3,17 B-dihexarnethyleneimino- Sat-androstane, 30,17B-dipiperidino-5ot-androstane, 3 6,176- dipyrrolidinoandrost-S-ene, 3B,17B-bisdimethylamino-5uandrostane and 315,l7t3-bisdiethylamino-Set-androstane. Of oustanding importance are the dimetho-chlorides, bromides or iodides, or dietho-chlorides, bromides or iodides, of 3B,17B-dipyrrolidino-5u-androstane and 35,17fl-dipiperidino-5a-androstane.

The 3,17-bis-quaternary salts of Formula I may be prepared by the application of any of the general methods heretofore known for the production of bis-quaternary ammonium salts. Thus, according to a feature of this invention, the androstane and androstene derivatives of Formula I are prepared by the quaternisation of the tertiary amino groups of a compound of the formula:

NRtRs E RzRgN 5 E 2 T1 T3 (wherein the various symbols are as hereinbefore defined) by reaction with a reactive ester of the formula R X (wherein X represents the acid residue of a reactive ester, and R is as hereinbefore defined) followed, where the anion X in the resultant bis-quaternary salt is different to that desired in the final product, by conversion of the salt so formed into the required salt, e.g. by metathesis or through the hydroxide. Preferably the acid residue in the reactant R X is a halogen atom or a sulphuric or sulphonic acid residue, e.g. a methanesulphonyloxy or toluene-p-sulphonyloxy group. The reaction is advantageously carried out in an inert organic solvent medium such as an alcohol (e.g. methanol) or aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g. benzene).

Salts not directly obtainable by the aforesaid process e.g. the tartrates, citrates and phosphates, can be formed from salts so obtained by direct metathesis, for example by reaction with the silver salt of the appropriate acid, or through the hydroxide. Where a salt of the present invention is water-soluble it can, according to a feature of this invention, be isolated from aqueous solution by treatment with a Water-soluble salt (such as the sodium salt) of 4,4- diaminostilbene-2,2-disulphonic acid (which acidaiso called amsonic acid.is almost insoluble in water even at boiling point) whereby the amsonate containing the required cation is precipitated, formation of a hot aqueous solution of the amsonate and treatment of the resulting solution with an acid having the anion of the required quaternary ammonium salt thereby to liberate and precipitate amsonic acid, leaving the quaternary ammonium salt of the acidifying agent in solution in a substantially pure state. These salts may be isolated in a similar manner by using 2,2-dihydroxy-1,l-dinaphthylmethane-3,3-dicarboxylic acid (which acidalso called embonic acid is also almost insoluble in water even at boiling point).

It will be appreciated that these separation procedures can be applied to the conversion of a salt directly obtainable by the aforesaid procedure (e.g. a halide) into a corresponding salt (e.g. tartrate, citrate or phosphate) which is not directly obtainable by these procedures. Thus, by starting with an aqueous solution containing the corresponding liaiide and reacting the resultant amsonate, not with a hydrohalic acid but with tartaric acid, the final product obtained is the corresponding tartrate. In addition, one soluble salt may be converted into another soluble salt by the use of an ion-exchange resin. For example, a methiodide may be converted into a methochloride by passing through a column packed with IR40O ion exchange resin (chloride form).

The 3,17-tertiary amines of Formula II may be prepared by the application of known methods for the pre-' paration of 3- and 17-tertiary amino-steroids; in particular they may be prepared by the following methods:

(a) Reductive amination of the ketone group(s) in the 3- or 17-position, or 3- and 17-positions, of anandrostane or androstene derivative of the formula:

T1 T (III) wherein either one of the symbols Y and Y represents an oxo group and the other a grouping R R N or NR.',R respectively, or Y and Y both represent oxo groups, and T T T R R R and R are as hereinbefore defined. The reductive amination may be etl'ected with hydrogen in the presence of a suitable hydrogenation catalyst, e.g. palladised charcoal, and ammonia or an amine HNR R or HNR R or by a Leuckart-Wallach reaction involving the use of ammonia or an amine I-INR R or HNR R or formyl derivative thereof, and formic acid. When ammonia is employed as reactant the aminosteroid obtained is appropriately alkylated to form a compound of Formula Ii. The alkylation may, for exof reactive esters, with an appropriate amine of the formula HNR R or HNR R (c) Reduction by methods known per se of the carbonyl group(s) to methylene of an androstane or androstene derivative of the same formula as Formula III but wherein either of the symbols Y and Y represents an acylamido group, e.g. N-methyl-acetarnido, known to be capable of conversion to a tertiary amino group.

R R N- or -NR R and the other represents a grouping R R N or NR R respectively, or (and Y both represent acylamido groups capable of conversion as aforesaid. The reduction of the carbonyl group(s) is preferably effected with a metal hydride such as lithium aluminium hydride.

(d) Reduction by methods known per se, e.g. catalytic hydrogenation, of the aldimine or ketimine grouping(s) of an androstane or androstene derivative of the same formula as Formula III but wherein either one of the symbols Y and Y represents a grouping I in which R represents an ailryl or hydroxyalkyl group containing up to 5 carbon atoms in the alkyl group or moiety, or a cycloalkyl or aryl group, and R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group (R and R being such that the group =CR R contains a maximum of 6 carbon atoms in an alkylidene grouping), and the other symbol represents a grouping R R N or -.-NR R respectively, or Y and Y both represent groupings of the formula NN CR R followed by allrylation of the secondary amino group(s) in the resultant product.

(e) In the case of those compounds of Formula Hin which either or both of the groupings R R N- and NR R represent the residue of a saturated mononuclear heterocyclic ring, reaction or" an androstane or androstene derivative of the same formula as Formula HI but wherein either one of the symbols Y and Y represents a primary amino group and the other represents a group R R N- or NR R respectively, or Y and Y both represent primary amino groups, with a reactive diester X -AX (wherein X is as hereinbefore defined, and A is such that the grouping represents a saturated mononuciear 5', 6-, or 7-rnembered heterocyclic ring, which may include another hetero atom in addition to the nitrogen atom). When Y and Y both represent -NI-I groups, to obtain the desired starting material of Formula II in which the groupings R R N-- and-NR R represent heterocyclic groups tv/o molecular equivalents of the diester reactant (cg.

1,4-dibromobutane) will be required for each equivalent of 3,17-diaminoandrost-ane or -ene employed.

(f) Reduction by methods known per se of an enamine formed by reaction of an androstan or audrosten-3(or l7)-0ne with a secondary amine HNR R or HNR R the androstanone or androstenone starting material carrying an appropriate amine substituent in the 17 (or 3)-position of the steroid nucleus.' The reduction of the enamine may be effected with sodium borohydride.

(g) Reduction by methods known per se of theketimine group(s), for example by catalytic hydrogenation or with sodium borohydride, of a steroid compound corresponding to Formula II in which either or both of the groups in the 3- and/or l7-positions of the androstane or androstene ring are of the formula C=NR (the carbon atom being part of the steroid ring, and R being a group as hereinbefore defined in respect of that symbol), followed by alkylation of the secondary amino group(s) in the resultant product.

(12) Formation of a primary amino group in the 3- or 17-position of the steroid nucleus by formic acid pound substituted in the 3- or 17-position by an isocyanato group,

followed by alkylation of the primary amino group in the resultant product to a grouping R R N or NR R In this method the steroid nucleus of the starting material is substituted in the 3- or 17-position not carrying a group convertible to NH by a tertiary amine group R R N- or NR R respectively.

(i) Reduction of an andro-stane or androstene compyrrolidine 17-positions and in the other a tertiary amino group R R N or NR R respectively, by methods known per se for reducing the group NCC to NHCH (for example, with lithium aluminium hydride), followed by alkylation of the resultant methylamino group in the resultant product.

The method employed, or methods employed and their sequence, will depend on the starting materials of Formula II required. Where similar tertiary amino groups are required in the 3- and 17-positions, they may be introduced either simultaneously or successively, in either order. For example, 5a-androstane-3,17-dione may be converted by treatment with pyrrolidine and formic acid directly into a mixture of isomeric 3,17-dipyrrolidino- Sa-androstanes, which may be separated to give pure isomers. Alternatively, androst-5-en-3/3-ol-l7-one may be converted successively into l7-pyrrolidino-androst-S-en- 313-01, 17-pyrrolidino-5a-androstan-3fi-ol (which can itself be prepared directly from 5a-androstan-3p-oll7-one, pyrrolidine and formic acid), l7-pyrrolidino-5a-androstan-3- one and thence into the above 3,17-dipyrrolidino compound or another appropriate 3-amine, as shown in the following reaction scheme, where R and R are as hereinbefore defined:

HO- I formic ac1d\pyyrrohd1nc K l/@ catalytic hydrogenation HO r'r oxidation/ RgRgNH 9% formic acid 0:

Alternatively, the basic group may be introduced first in the 3-position, and subsequently a similar or different basic group may be introduced into the 17-position. Other alternative reaction sequences will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

According to a further feature of the invention, the compounds of general Formula I in which T and T together, or T and T together, form a single bond (i.e. the androst-4-enes and androst-S-enes) may be converted pound carrying an isocyanato group in one of the 3- and 75 to the corresponding compounds where T T and T are hydrogen atoms (i.e. the androstanes) by methods known per se, for example, by catalytic hydrogenation using a platinum oxide catalyst under suitable conditions.

By the term methods known per se" as used in this specification is meant methods heretofore used or described in the chemical literature.

The following examples illustrate the invention.

Example I A mixture of 5ct-androstane-3,17-dione (2.5 g.), morpholine (7.0 ml.) and formic acid (2.5 ml.) was heated in a sealed tube at 170- :10 C. for 16 hours, cooled and poured into dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide. The resulting solid was filtered oif, washed with water and crystallised from acetone giving 3/3,17fl-dimorpholino-Set-androstane, M.P. 168-170 C.

Similarly prepared were: 3,8,17,8-dipiperidino-5or-androstane, M.P. 158-160 C. (dihydrochloride, M.P. above 330 C.), and 3B,17,8-di(hexamethyleneimino)Jot-androstane, M.P. 102-104 C.

These amines were converted into the dimethiodides as follows:

A mixture of 3/3,17fi-dipiperidino-Srx-androstane (180 mg.), methyl iodide (1.8 ml.) and methanol (5.4 ml.) was refluxed for 3 hours, then concentrated and diluted with ether. The solid product was recrystallised from water with the addition of sodium iodide, and boiled with acetone, giving 3ft,17fl-dipiperidino-5a-androstane dimethiodide, M.P. above 315 C.

Similarly obtained were 3 8,17,8-di(hexamethyleneimino)-5ot-androstane dimethiodide, M.P. 250-255 C., and 3B,17fl-dimorpholino-5ot-androstane dimethiodide (prepared by heating for 24 hours at 100 C. in a sealed tube), M.P. above 300 C.

Example II A mixture of 5a-androstane-3,17-dione (5.0 g.), formic acid (10.0 ml.) and pyrrolidine (30.0 ml.) was heated under reflux at 170i10 C. for 20 hours, cooled and poured into dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide. The solid which separated was filtered off, washed with water and dissolved in dilute methanesulphonic acid. The resulting solution was filtered and basified, and the amine which separated was filtered off, washed with water, dried and crystallised from ethyl acetate, yielding 36,17fi-dipyrrolidino-5m-androstane, M.P. 155-158 C. (dihydrochloride, M.P. 320 C.).

A solution of the dipyrrolidino compound (1.83 g.) in benzene (40 ml.) and methyl iodide (15 ml.) was refluxed for 3 hours. After cooling, the mixture was diluted with ether and filtered. Recrystallisation of the solid product from n-butanol gave 35,17/3-dipyrrolidino-5aandrostane dimethiodide (2.91 g.), M.P. above 320 C.

Similarly obtained was 3,8,17,8-dipyrrolidino-5tut-androstane diethiodide, which melts above 310 C.

The aforesaid bis quaternary salts were also prepared by refluxing the dipyrrolidino compound with methyl iodide in methanol or ethyl iodide in ethanol, respectively.

Example III A mixture of androst-5-en-3B-ol-17-one (20 g.), formic acid (9S-100%; 20 ml.) and pyrrolidine (60 ml.) was heated under reflux (bath temperature 160180 C.) for 20 hours, then cooled and added with stirring to 20% aqueous sodium hydroxide (300 ml.). The resulting suspension was diluted with water, and was separated from non-basic material by dissolution in aqueous methanesulphonic acid and filtration. The base, after liberation from the said acid solution by addition of excess alkali, was crystallised from acetone, giving 17,8-pyrrolidinoandrost-5-en-3fi-ol (20.06 g), M.P. 196-198 C. The hydrochloride melted at 312-314 C., the acetate melted at 146-148 C., the mcthiodide melted at 265-266 C. and the methotoluene-p-sulphonate melted at 191-194 C. or 221-229 C.

Similarly prepared was 17fl-piperidinoandrost-5-en-3,6-

ol, M.P. 178-180 C. (hydrochloride, M.P. 286-293 C., methiodide decomposes above 266 C).

17fi-pyrrolidinoandrost-5-en-3fi-ol (3.23 g.) in glacial acetic acid ml.) was reduced with hydrogen, in the presence of platinum oxide (0.81 g.) as catalyst, at 23 C. and 70 lbs/sq. in. hydrogen pressure. After reduction, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was basified and the resulting solid was filtered off, washed and dried. The crude product was hydrolysed by refluxing with ethanolic potassium hydroxide and the resulting amine was purified by chromatography over alumina and crystallisation from ethyl acetate, giving 17B-pyrrolidino-5a-androstan-3fi-ol, M.P. 204-208 C.

Similarly prepared was 17,8-piperidino-Se-androstan- 3/3-01.

Oxidation of 17B-pyrrolidino-5-ot-androstan-3B-o1 (1;.95 g.) in acetic acid (60 ml.) with a solution of chromium trioxide (0.6 g.) in acetic acid (20 ml.) and water (0.5 ml.) gave 17fi-pyrrolidino-5e-androstan-3-one which, after chromatography over alumina and crystallisation from ethyl acetate, melted at 180-182 C.

Similarly prepared was 17B-piperidino-5ot-androstan-3- one, M.P. 184-185" C.

Treatment of 17,6-pyrrolidino-5a-androstan-3-one with pyrrolidine and formic acid, and subsequent methylation of the product with methyl iodide as described in Example I, alforded 3,8,17,8-dipyrrolidino-5a-androstane dimethiodide.

Similarly obtained were 35,17,8-dipiperidino-Set-androstane, M.P. 1158-160" C., and its dimethiod-ide.

Example IV A mixture of 17,8-aminoandrost-5-en-3l3-ol mg), 1,4-dibromobutane (113 mg), anhydrous sodium carbonate (106 mg.) and ethanol (10 ml.) was refluxed for 16 hours, evaporated, basified and extracted with chloroform. The washed and dried chloroform extract was evaporated and the residue was crystallised from acetone to give 17fl-pyrrolidinoandrost-5-en-3li-ol, M.P. 19 5-107 C., which was converted into 3B,17(3-dipyrro1idino-5eandrosta-ne dimethiodide as described in Example 111.

Example V A mixture of 5ct-androstan-3B-ol-17-one (4.0 g.), formic acid (8 ml.) and pyrrolidine (8 ml.) was heated under reflux at -180 C. for 16 hours, then poured into excess 20% aqueous sodium hydroxide. The solid which separated, was collected by filtration, washed, dried and crystallised from a mixture of benzene and light petroleum (B.P. 40-60 C.) to give 17,8-pyrrolidino-5e-androstair 35-01, M.P. 202-205 C. A recrystallised specimen melted at 206-209 C. The corresponding hydrochloride decomposed at 310 C. and the methiodide melted at 256-257 C. Similarly prepared was l'lp-piperidino- 5u-androstan3,8-o1, M.P. 1;74-176 C.

These amines were converted into 3,8,17/3-dipyrrolidino- 5cr-androstane dimethiod ide and 35,17fl-dipiperidino-5aandrostane dimethiodide, respectively, as described in Example III.

Example VI A mixture of 5ot-androstane-3,17-dione (5 g.), formic acid (20 ml.) and piperidine (20 ml.) was heated under reflux at C. for 16 hours, cooled and poured into water. The solution was basified and extracted with benzene. The Washed and dried extract was evaporated and the residue, in ether, was treated with ethereal hydrochloric acid. The crude hydrochloride was crystallized from water by the addition of sodium chloride then reconverted into the base and successively crystallised from light petroleum (HP. 30-100 C.) and ethyl acetate, giving 3,6-piperidino-5ct-androstan-17-one, M.P. 167169 C. The aqueous mother liquors from the crystallisation of the hydrochloride gave further basic material which, after chromatography on alumina, afiorded 304,175-

9 (M.P. 1;65l66 C.) and 3B,l7B-dipiperidino-5a-androstane, M.P. 158-160" C.

A mixture or 3 3-piperidino-5a-androstan-17-one (0.8 g.), formic acid (1.0 ml.) and pyrrolidine (3.0 ml.) was heated under reflux at 170 C. for 22 hours. The base obtained, isolated in a similar manner to that described in Example I, was crystallised from ethyl acetate, giving 3fi-piperidino-17fi-pyrrolidino-5a-androstane, M.P. 168-170 C., which was converted in the usual manner into the dimethiodide, M.P. above 300 C.

Similarly obtained, using the appropriate intermediates, were 3fl-dimethylamino-17,8-pyrrolidino a androstane, M.P. 80-81 C. [dimethiodide, M.P. 297 C. (decomp.)], and 3fi-morpholino-1 7e-pyrrolidino-5a-androstane, M.P. 1151l7 C. [dimethiode, M.P. 280 C. (decomp.)].

Example VII A solution of 17B-pyrrolidino-5a-androstan-3fi-ol (1 g.) (prepared as described in Example V), in dry pyridine ml.) was treated with toluene-p-sulphonyl chloride (1 g), kept overnight, diluted with water and basified with sodium hydroxide. The solid product was Washed and crystallised from methanol, giving the 3-t0sylate, M.P. 140-143 C.

A mixture of the foregoing tosylate pyrrolidine (2 ml.) was heated at 100 C. under reflux for 24 hours, diluted with water, basified arid filtered. The solid base obtained was washed with water and purified ethyl acetate, giving 341,175- dipyrrolidino-5a-androstane, M.P. 148150 C., which on treatment with methyl iodide in either methanol or benzene afforded the dimethiodide, M.P. 281 C. (efferv).

Similarly prepared, using the appropriate intermediates, were 3a,17fl-dipiperidino-5a-androstane, M.P. 166-168 C. [dimethiodide, M.P. 281284 C. (decomp.)], and 175 dimethylamino 30: pyrrolidine 5a androstane, M.P. 170-104 C. [dimethiodide, M.P. 279-283 C. (decomp.)].

(250 mg.) and Example VIII 5a-androstane-3,l7-.dione (7.2 g.) was treated with pyrrolidine (14.4 ml.) and formic acid (14.4 ml.) as described in Example II. After removal of the principal product, 3,8,17B-dipyrrolidino-5a-androstane, the mother liquors were evaporated and the residue was chromatographed over alumina, giving 3a,l7,8dipyrrolidino-5aandrostane, M.P. 151-154 C., not depressed by a specimen prepared as in Example VII. It was converted into the dimethiodide, M.P. 281 C. (eflerv), as described in Example VII.

Similarly obtained were 3a,l 7,B-dipiperidino-5a-andro stane, M.P. 165-166 C., and 3a,l7fl-dimorpholino-5aandrostane, M.P. 168-170" C. and their dimethiodides.

Example IX A solution of androst- 4-ene-3,17-dione (5.0 g.) and redistilled pyrrolidine (1.5 ml.) in ethanol (100 ml, distilled from Raney nickel catalyst) was shaken with hydrogen in the presence of palladised charcoal catalyst (prepared from 170 mg. palladium chloride and 900 mg. acid-washed charcoal). The uptake of hydrogen reached 830 ml. The filtered solution was evaporated and the residue was crystallised from methanol, yielding a 3- pyrrolidino-5 8-androstan-l7 one, M.P. l 79-180 C. (hydrochloride, M.P. 295 C.). Evaporation of the mother liquors and chromatography of the residue on activated alumina gave a further quantity of the amine, together with some 3a-pyrrolidino-5a-androstan-17-one, M.P. 148- 150 C.

A mixture of S-pyrrolidino-Sfi-androstan-17-one (0.5 g), M.P. 179l80 C., pyrrolidine (1.5 ml.) and formic acid (0.5 ml.) was heated under reflux at 170:10" C. for 16 hours, then cooled and poured into dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide. The solid was filtered off, washed with water and crystallised from acetone, giving 3,17/3-dipyrrolidino-SB-androstane, M.P. l20-121.5 C., which l 0 with methyl iodide in methanol afforded the dimethiodide, M.P. 27'8-282 C.

Example X 17B-pyrrolidinoandrost-5-en-3p-ol (8.86 g.) (prepared III) was dissolved in redistilled and dry toluene (355 ml.) and toluene ml.) was distilled off through a short fracml.), then cooled and filtered, yielding l7fi-pyrrolidino- A suspension of 17/3-pyrrolidinoandrost-4-en-3-one pyrrolidine enamine (l g.) in methanol (50 ml.) was stirred whilst sodium borohydride (1 g.) was slowly added during 4 hours, then poured into dilute acid. The filtered washed and dried extract was evaporated. Crystallisation of the residue from ethyl acetate afforded 35,17fi-dipyrrolidinoandrost-S-ene, M.P. 179-180 C., which was converted by treatment with methyl iodide in methanol into the dimethiodide, M.P. above 300 C.

Example XI pyrrolidino-5a-androstane, M.P. 156 converted into the dimethiodide,

described Example II.

as in Example XII basic product, Way, was chromatographed over activated alumina, affording 3a-pyrrolidino-5a-androstan-l7-one, M.P. 146- 148 C., and 3fl-pyrrolidino-5a-androst'an-l7-one, M.P. 162-l63 C.

A mixture of 3a-pyrrolidino-5a-androstan-l7-one (0.5 g.), pyrrolidine (1.3 ml.) and formic acid (0.5 ml.) was heated under reflux at i10 C. for 8 hours. The basic product, isolated in a similar manner to that described in Example I, was crystallised from acetone, giving 3a,17fl-dipyrrolidino-5a-androstane, M.P. ISO-153 0, not depressed by a sample prepared as in Example VIII.

3,8-pyrrolidino-5a-androstan-l7-one was similarly converted into 35,17B-dipyrrolidino-Sa-andrcst'ane and thence into the bis-methiodide.

Example XIII A mixture of 5fi-androstane-3,l7-dione (0.5 g), pyrrolidine (3 ml.) and formic acid (1 ml.) was he -ted il0 C. in a sealed tube for 16 hours, then cooled and poured into dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide. The solid product was crystallised from acetone giving a 3,l7B-dipyrrolidino-5fi-androstane, M.P. 122l.24 C., depressed to below 100 C. by the isomeric diamine, M.P. 120-1215 C. described in Example IX. Treatment with methyl iodide in methanol afforded the dimethiodide, M.P. 278-28l C. (decomp).

l Exmnple XIV A mixture of 3p-mOrpholinO-Sa-androstam17-one (0.5 g., MP. 167-169 C.; prepared by the method of Example VI), N-methylcyclohexylamine (2.79 g.) and formic acid (0.79 ml.) was heated at 170il0 C., in a sealed tube for 16 hours then poured into dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide and extracted with chloroform. The washed and dried extract was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on alumina, giving 17l3-N-methylcyclohexylarnino-Bp-morpholino-oc-androstane, MP. 139- 142" C., which on treatment with methyl iodide in methanol afforded the dimethiodide, Ml. 249-254 C.

Similarly prepared were 17,B-N-methylbenzylamino- 3,B-morpholino-5ot-androstane, Ml. 180-185 C., and its dimethiodide.

Example XV A mixture of N-ethoxycarbonylpiperazine (11 ml.), 5m-androstane-3,17dione (2.5 g.) and formic acid (2.5 ml.) was heated in a sealed tube at 180110 C. for 18 hours, then poured into dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide. Extraction with chloroform and evaporation or" the extract gave a gum which was dissolved in aqueous methanesulphonic acid. Non-basic material was removed by ether extraction and the acid solution was basified and re-extracted with chloroform. The residue obtained on evaporation of the chloroform solution was chromatographed on Florisil (i.e. a magnesia-silica gel absorbent, 60-100 mesh), affording 3,B-N-ethoxycarbonylpiperazino- 5ot-androstan-l7-one, MP. 148-150 C., and two isomeric 3,17fi-di-(lJ-ethoxycarbonylpiperazino)Jet-androstanes, MP. 160-163 C. and l26-l29 C., which were converted into their dimethiodides.

Example XVI A solution of 3p,17p-dipyrrolidino-Sac-androstane dimethiodide (2.0 g.) in 50% aqueous methanol (20 ml.) was run during minutes through a column of Ill-400 ionexchange resin (chloride form, ml. damp solid). The column was washed with more aqueous methanol (40 ml.) and the combined eluates were evaporated in vacuo. The residue was triturated with acetone, and the solid was recrystallised from a mixture of ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate, giving the dimethochloride, which darkened and decomposed above 260 C.

Example X VII An aqueous solution of 3B,17l3dipyrrolidino-Soc-androstane dimethiodide was added to a solution of 4,4-diaminostilbene-2,2-disulphonic acid (amsonic acid) in dilute ammonia. The amsonate was filtered off and crystallized from aqueous ethanol. It did not melt up to 300 C.

The embonate of the dipyrroiidino compound was similarly prepared.

Example XVIII A mixture of 3B,17B-dipyrrolidino-5ot-androstane (0.5 g.), methyl bromide (1 ml.) and methanol (1 ml.) was heated at 100 C. in a sealed tube for 16 hours, then evaporated. The residue was triturated with ether and the solid was crystallized from ethanol-ethyl acetate, giving 3p,17p-dipyrrolidino-5a-androstane dimethobromide, MP. above 300 C.

Example XIX A solution of 35,17lB-dipyrrolidino-5tx-androstane diethiodide (2.5 g.) in water (600 ml.) was stirred for 2 hours at 100 C. with freshly precipitated silver chloride from 1.8 g. silver nitrate), filtered. The solid was washed with water, and the combined filtrates were evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dried azeotropically with benzene and triturated with acetone, giving the diethochloride, MP. above 305 C.

Example XX A mixture of 3p,17p-dlpyrrolidino-5a-androstane (0.5

g.) and benzyl bromide (3 ml.) was heated at C. for 24 hours then cooled, diluted with ether and filtered. The solid was triturated with acetone and ether, and crystallised from ethanol-ethyl acetate, giving N,N-dibenzyl- 5ot-androstane-3p,17,6-bispyrrolidinium bromide, Ml above 300 C.

Example XXI A mixture of 3B,17B-dipyrrolidino-5a-androstane (360 mg), redistilled n-propyl bromide (1 ml.) and n-propanol (5 ml.) was heated in a sealed tube at 100 C. for 16 hours, cooled, diluted with ether, and filtered. The solid was crystallised from ethanol and the product was extracted with chloroform. The residue from the chloroform solution was crystallised from water, giving N,N- dipropyl-Stx-androstane-36,17l3-bispyrrolidinium bromide, MP. above 305 C.

Example XXII Example XXIII The crude mixture of 3,17-diamino-5a-androstanes (650 mg.) [prepared from 5ot-androstane3,l7-dione dioxime by the method of Dodgson and Haworth, J. Chem. Soc, 1952, 67] was heated on the steam-bath with 40% aqueous formaldehyde (6.5 ml.) and formic acid (6.5 ml.) for 20 hours. The solution obtained was diluted with water, basified and the product extracted into benzene. Chromatography of the crude product on alumina gave 3a-l7,8-bisdimethylamino-5a-androstane, MP. 136 138 C., and 3B,17l3-bisdimethylamino-5a-androstane, MP. 78-80 C.

A mixture of 36,17l3-bisdimethy1amino-Sa-androstane (300 mg), methyl iodide (3 ml.) and methanol (10 ml.) was refluxed for 2 hours, cooled and diluted with ether. The product Was recrystallized from aqueous sodium iodide, giving the dimethiodide, MP. above 300 C.

The dimethiodide, MP. 296297 C., of the Zea-17f)- epimer was similarly prepared.

Example XXIV A mixture of 5a-androstane-3,17-dione (4 g), formic acid (16 ml.) and dimethylformamide (16 ml.) was heated under reflux at 160 C. for 20 hours, then concentrated by distillation until the distillation temperature reached C. Formic acid (16 ml.) was added and the solution was heated at C. for a further 18 hours, basified and extracted with benzene. The washed and dried extract was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on alumnia, giving successively 3oc-17fi-bisdimethylarnino- Sa-androstanB, M.P. 136138 C., 3l3-17l3-bisdirnethylamino-Sa-andmstane, MI. 7577 C., and the isomeric 3ozand 3fi-dimethylamino-Sa-androstan-17-ones, Ml. 140442 C. and 109-111 C. respectively.

The two bisdimethylamino compounds were converted into methiodides as described in Example XXIII.

Example XXV 5ct-androstan-3B-ol-17-one (5.0 g.) was treated with formic acid (10 ml.) and dimethylformamide (10 m1.) at 160180 C. for 16 hours. The basic product was crystallised from ethyl acetate, giving l7fi-dimethylamino-5aandr-ostan-3B-ol, M.P. 209-210 C.

Oxidation with chromic acid or by the Oppenauer method gave l7fi-dimethylamino-Sa-androstan-Z-one, which on further treatment with dimethylrormarnide and formic acid yielded 3,8 1713-bisdimethylamino-5a-andro- 13 stane. This diamine was converted to the dimethiodide as described in Example XXIII.

Example XXVI Toluene-p-sulphonyl chloride (0.6 g.) was added at 20 C. to a solution of 17,8-dimethylamino-a-androstan-3/3-ol (0.6 g., prepared as described in Example XXV) in dry pyridine (6 ml.) and the solution was kept overnight at room temperature, then diluted with water, made slightly alkaline and filtered. The solid product was washed and dried, and crystallised from light petroleum (B.P. 80100 C.) giving 17fi-dimethylamino-5aandrostan-3B-yl toluene-p-sulphonate, M.P. 151-155 C.

A solution of this toluene- -sulphonate (200 mg.) in liquid dimethylamine ml.) was heated in a Carius tube at 100 C. for 20 hours. Excess of dimethyamine was allowed to evaporate, and the residue was washed with dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide and water, then purified by chromatography over alumina. After recrystallisation from ethyl acetate, 3m-17 8-bisdimethylamino- Sa-androstane, M.P. 138141 C., was obtained, identical with a specimen prepared as in Example XXIV. It was converted to the dimethiodide as described in Example XXIII.

Example XX VII A mixture of 5a-androstane-3,17-dione (5 g.), formic acid (5.5 ml.) and N-methylbenzylamine (22 ml.) was treated under reflux at 140-160 C. for 3 days, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue Was basified and extracted with benzene, and the extract was shaken with 2 N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The acid solution was basified and re-extracted with benzene, and the washed and dried extract was evaporated. Trituration of the residue with acetone, and crystallisation from ethyl acetate gave 35,17/3 di(N-methylbenzylamino)-5ot-androstane, M.P. 129-131 C., which on treatment with methyl iodide in methanol afforded the dimethiodide, M.P. above 300 C.

Example XX VIII A mixture of 5ot-andr0stane-3,17-di0ne (2.5 g.), diethyl- Example XXIX A mixture of androst-5-en-3B-ol-17-one (5 g.), formic acid (5.3 ml.) and N-methylbenzylamine (21 ml.) was heated under reflux at 170 C. for 22 hours, then cooled and poured into aqueous sodium hydroxide. The solid was filtered off and crystallised from acetone and from light petroleum (B.P. 80100 C.) giving 17,8-N-methylbenzylaminoandrost-5-en-3,B-ol, M.P. 199202 C.

A solution of 17,8-N-methylbenzylaminoandrost-S-en- 35-01 (1 g.) in acetic acid (40 ml.) was shaken with hydrogen and Adams platinum oxide (400 mg.) at room temperature and pressure until the uptake ceased. The filtered solution was evaporated and an aqueous solution of the residue was basified and filtered. The solid product was crystallised from ethyl acetate, giving 17,8-N- methylbenzylamino 50c androstan-BB-ol, M.P. 170 172 C.

A solution of 17B-N-methylbenzylamino-5wandrostan- 313-01 (5 g.) in acetic acid ml.) and chromium trioxide (5 g.), in water (5 ml.) and acetic acid (20 ml.) was allowed to stand at room temperature for 20 hours. Methanol (20 ml.) was added and the solution poured into water, basified, and extracted with chloroform. The dried extracts were evaporated and the residue, dissolved in benzene, was passed through an alumina column. The solid product, after crystallisation from light petroleum (B.P. 80-100 C.), afforded 17,8-N-methylbenzylamino- 5u-androstan-3-one, M.P. 157 C.

A mixture of 17fi-N-methylbenzylamino-5a-androstan- 3-one (0.5 g.), N-methylcyclohexylamine (3 ml.) and formic acid (1 ml.) was heated at C. for 5 hours and poured into dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide. The solid was chromatographed on alumina and crystallised from acetone, giving 17p-N-methylbenzylamino-3,B-N- methylcyclohexylamino-5a-androstane, M.P. 109-1l1 C. Treatment with methyl iodide in methanol aiforded the dimethiodide, which softens from about 180 C.

Example XXX Example XXXI A mixture of 5fi-androstane-3,17-dione (0.5 g.), drous dimethylamine (1.12 ml.) and formic acid (0.52 ml.) was heated in a sealed tube at 1701-10 C. for 16 hours, then poured into aqueous sodium hydroxide. The solution was extracted with chloroform, the washed and dried extract was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed in benzene on alumina, giving 3,17fl-bisdimethylamino-Sfi-androstane, M.P. 105.5108.5 C., which with methyl iodide in methanol afforded the dimethiodide, M.P. 274-279 C. (decomp.).

anhy- Example XXXII A mixture of androst-S-en-3B-ol-17-one (2.5 g.), anhydrous dimethylamine (5.53 ml.) and formic acid (262 ml.) was heated in a sealed tube at i10 C. for 20 hours, cooled, heated with aqueous sodium hydroxide and filtered. The solid was dissolved in aqueous sulphuric acid and the filtered solution was basified, giving dimethylaminoandrost-5-en-3fi-ol, M.P. 211214 C. Oxidation of this amine (1.9 g.) with cyclohexanone (9.5 ml.) and aluminum isopropoxide (0.75 g.) in toluene (500 ml.) yielded 17B-dimethylaminoandrost-4-en-3-one, M.P. 129133 C.

A mixture of 17fl-dimethylaminoandrost-4-en-3-one (850 mg), anhydrous magnesium sulphate (500 mg.) and toluene-p-sulphonic acid (50 mg.) was ground up, cooled to 60 C. and treated with anhydrous dimethylamine (5 ml.) in a pressure bottle, which was then kept 48 hours at room temperature. Excess of dimethylamine was removed, and the residue was extracted with benzene. Evaporation of the benzene solution afforded the enamine as a gum (0.68 g.), which was dissolved in methanol (20 ml;). The solution was stirred at 0 C. whilst sodium borohydride (1 g.) was added during 30 minutes, then stirred a further 1 /2 hours at room temperature, allowed to stand overnight, poured into water and extracted with benzene. The residue obtained on evaporation of the washed and dried benzene solution was chromatographed on alumina, giving 3,175-hisdimethylaminoandrost5-ene,

1 5 M.P. 96103 C. Treatment wth methyl iodide in methanol afiorded the bismethiodide.

Example XXXIII Sa-androstane3fi,17B-diol (14 g.) was dissolved in dry pyridine (200 ml.) and methane sulphonyl chloride (30 ml.) was added. The mixture was allowed to stand for 72 hours at C., then it was poured into water (2 l.) and the precipitate was filtered off. The product was crystallised from ethanol (400 ml.) giving 35,1713-dimethanesulphonyloxy-a-androstane, M.P. 151-153 C.

The foregoing dimethanesulphonate (17 g.) was heated under reflux in pyrrolidine (50 ml.) for 18 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue was basified with aqueous sodium hydroxide and the precipitate washed with water and crystallised from methanol, giving 17fl-methanesulphonyloxy 3a pyrrolidino-5a-androstane, M.P. 161164 C.

A mixture of this methanesulphonate (2.5 g.) and sodium azide (1.0 g.) was heated at 160 C. in N-methyl- 2-pyrrolidone ml.). After 6 hours the reaction mixture was poured into aqueous sodium hydroxide. The precipitate was filtered off, dried, dissolved in benzene and the solution was filtered through alumina (75 g.). Elution with benzene gave l7a-azid0-3a-pyrrolidino-Saandrostane as a pale yellow oil.

17ot-azido-3a-pyrrolidino-5a-androstane (0.9 g.) was dissolved in dry other (100 ml), and the solution was added to a suspension of lithium aluminium hydride (0.5 g.) in dry ether (100 ml.). The mixture was heated under reflux for 4 hours, and excess of hydride was destroyed by dropwise addition of cold ethyl acetate. Water ml.) was added, and the ethereal solution was separated, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue in benzene was chromatographed on alumina g.). Not-amino- 3oL-pylTOlldlIlO-SOL-EIldI'OStZlllti, which gave a positive Rimini test, was eluted with chloroform and was obtained as a colourless oil.

The Not-amine compound (0.42 g.) was heated with formic acid (2.5 ml.) and aqueous formaldehyde (2.5 ml.) on a steam bath for 4 hours. The cooled re action mixture was dissolved in ether and shaken with aqueous methanesulphonic acid. The aqueous extracts were basified and extracted successively with chloroform and ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were washed with water, combined and dried. The solvents were removed in vacuo and the oily residue was chromatographed on alumina (20 g.). Elution with benzene-light petroleum (B. P. 40-60 C.) aiforded l7a-dimethylamino-3a-pyrrolidinu-Sa-androstane as a colourless oil [dipicrate, M.P. 226-227 C. (decomp.)] which was converted by treatment with methyl iodide-methanol into the dimethiodide.

The present invention includes within its scope pharmaceutical compositions which comprise, as active ingredient, at least one of the bis-quaternary salts of Formula I in association with a pharmaceutical carrier, which may be a solid material or a liquid. In clinical practice the compounds of the present invention will normally be administered by injection so that compositions suitable for parenteral administration are preferred.

Preparations for parenteral administration are preferably in the form of sterile solutions in water of readily soluble salts. However, sterile solutions in other suitable solvent media can be employed as also may sterile suspensions of sparingly soluble salts in water, oil or other inert solvents such as propylene glycol, with or without the addition of soluble or insoluble diluents and/or solid or liquid excipients. They may be sterilised by, for example, filtration through a bacteria-retaining filter, by incorporation in the compositions of sterilizing agents, by irradiation, or by heating. Such compositions may also take the form of sterile solid compositions, which can be dissolved in sterile water or some other sterile injectable medium immediately before use,

The percentage of active ingredient in the compositions of the invention may be varied, it being necessary that it should constitute a proportion such that a suitable dosage for the therapeutic effect desired in the species of animal shall be obtained. Obviously several unit dosage forms may be administered at the same time. The preferred percentage of active substances in the pharmaceutical compositions is about 0.01 to 5%.

The following examples-directed to the preparation of solutions suitable for parenteral administrationillustrate pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention.

Example XXXIV 3p,l7fl-dipyrrolidino-5a-androstane dimethochloride 10 g. Sodium chloride 7.2 g. Distilled water Up to 1000 ml.

3,8,l-41ipyrrolidino-5a-androstane dimethochloride 50 g. Distilled water Up to 1000 ml.

A solution prepared by dissolving the quaternary ammonium salt in the distilled water was filtered and filled into ampoules, which were sterilised in an autoclave.

Preparations suitable for parenteral administration, for example those obtained in Examples XXXIV and XXXV, may be administered to patients prior to surgery to relax smooth muscle.

I claim:

1. A compound of the formula:

wherein R is a member selected from the class consisting of alkyl and alkenyl of up to 6 carbon atoms, and benzyl, R R R and R represent, when taken singly, a member selected from the class consisting of alkyl of up to 6 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, and benzyl, and the pairs R and R and R and R when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, collectively represent a member selected from the class consisting of pyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino, hexamethyleneirnino, and N-ethoxycarbonylpiperazino, T T and T when taken singly represent hydrogen atoms, and T and T when taken together, and T and T when taken together, represent a single bond, the remaining T symbols representing hydrogen, and X represents a non-toxic anion.

2. A non-toxic dimetho-salt of 3,8,17B-dipyrrolidino- 5ot-androstane.

1? 3. A non-toxic dietho-salt of 3fl,l7fi-dipyrrolidino-5aandrostane.

4. A nontoxic dimetho-salt of 3fi,l7fl-dipiperidino-5aandrostane.

5. A non-toxic dietho-salt of 3B,17fi-dipiperidino-5uandrostane.

6. A non-toxic dimetho-salt of 3 3,17fi-dimorphlinou-androstane.

7. A non-toxic dietho-salt of 3,8,17,8-dimorpholinoa-androstane.

8. A non-toxic dimetho-salt of 35,17B-dihexamethylene-imino-5ut-androstane.

9. A non-toxic dietho-salt of 3,9,17,3-dihexamethyleneiminO-Sa-andmstane.

10. A non-toxic dimetho-salt of 3u,17fi-dipiperidino- Sa-androstane.

11. A non-toxic dietho-salt of 3u,l7fi-dipiperidino-5aandrostane.

12. A non-toxic dimetho-salt of 35,17,6-dipyrrolidinoandrost-S-ene.

13. A non-toxic dietho-salt of 3[3,17/8-dipyrrolidinoandrost-S-ene.

14. A non-toxic dimetho-salt of 35,17fl-bisdimethylamino-Su-androStane.

15. A non-toxic dietho-salt of 3,8,17,8-bisdimethylamino-Sa-andmstane.

16. A non-toxic dimetho-salt of 3fi,17p-bisdiethylaminO-Su-andmstane.

17. A non-toxic dietho-salt of 35,17fi-bisdiethylamino- Soc-EllldIOStHIlC.

18. A dimetho-salt according to claim 2 comprising non-toxic halide anions.

19. A dietho-salt according to claim 3 comprising nontoxic halide anions.

20. A dimetho-salt according to claim 4 comprising non-toxic halide anions.

21. A dietho-salt according to claim 5 comprising non-toxic halide anions.

22. A sterile pharmaceutical composition which comprises, as active ingredient, at least one compound of the formula:

R E T T1 T3 wherein R is a member selected from the class consisting of alkyl and alkenyl of up to 6 carbon atoms, and benzyl, R R R and R represent, when taken singly, a member selected from the class consisting of alkyl of up to 6 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, and benzyl, and the pairs R and R and R and R when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, collectively represent a member selected from the class consisting of pyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino, heXamethyleneimino, and N-ethoxycarbonylpiperazino, T T and T when taken singly represent hydrogen atoms, and T and T when taken together, and T and T when taken together, represent a single bond, the remaining T symbols representing hydrogen, and X represents a non-toxic anion, in association with a liquid pharmaceutical carrier, the amount of active ingredient in the composition being about 0.01 to 5% by Weight of the composition.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,752,338 6/56 Herr et a1 260-239.5 2,886,564 5/59 Holysz 260-2395 LEWIS GOTTS, Primary Examiner. 

22. A STERILE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION WHICH COMPRISES, AS ACTIVE INGREDIENT, AT LEAST ONE COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA: 